An evening of complementary beauty treatments, shopping, light bites, and wine will benefit a good cause at “Fall Fashion & Fundraising with ENAZ + Upside Events,” 5-9 p.m. Oct. 9.
The fundraiser is being hosted by sisters Lena Blitstein, Melinda Kaplan, and Samantha Shapiro, owners of the two businesses at 440 Central Avenue in Highland Park.
One hundred percent of the VIP ticket price of $50; $30 general admission, will benefit the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation. In addition, the sisters will donate 15 % of the price of items purchased that night to the Foundation.
The trio had a good reason for selecting that charity to benefit from the event.
“Two years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Stage 1,” Kaplan said. “My mammogram didn’t find it but my ultrasound did. I’m a very big advocate for telling women to put your ultrasound and mammogram together.” That way, you aren’t charged a separate fee for the ultrasound, she indicated.
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The benefit will begin at 5 p.m. with a “Glam Session.”
“We’re going to have our hair done; We’re going to have makeup done,” Shapiro said. “Somebody’s coming and doing glitter tattoos.” Nail art will be provided by Nail Art Nikki from the Nail Art Studio. Alison Tensar, who is known at the Piercing Princess at Morton Grove Jewelry, will be doing ear piercings.
“We have a leather trunk show by Mauricius,” Shapiro added, “We’re also having a vintage jewelry show. A lot of those pieces are going to be in the fashion show.”
At 6 p.m. the “Runway Show” will begin. “I’ll be the MC,” Shapiro reported. “We’ve got some members of the Lynn Sage Board who are going to come up and speak.” A Glenview stylist, Rachel Boedecker, will be fitting and styling the models, Shapiro noted.
From 7-9 p.m. attendees will “Sip & Shop.” They will have a chance to purchase merchandise and enjoy wine from Lynfred Winery and light bites.
Everyone who purchases a ticket will receive a gift bag, Blitstein said. “We made an exclusive candle, our signature scent called Strength, and it’s going to be in everyone’s gift bag, and it also can be purchased afterwards.” There will also be a raffle.
ENAZ opened in 1993 in downtown Highland Park. “Our mom, Susan Lurie, was a leather-working artist out of her home,” Shapiro said. “She used to do art fairs all around the North Shore and in the city. She became so popular, she opened a Western-themed store. After seven years, we moved across the street into the building that we’re currently in.”
The original space was 400 square feet; the current space is 4,000 square feet.
The three sisters joined the business in 2000. They now have four storefront locations in Highland Park, Northfield, and Lake Forest.’
The boutique carries a wide variety of merchandise but Blitstein reported, “We’re really known for our jewelry. It’s one of our big draws because we support a lot of women local artists who do a lot of customization. We come up with a concept and design that we feel is missing in the market.”
The women purchased their building at 440 Central Avenue three years ago. “Upstairs, there is a beautiful open space that has enormous windows, elevated ceilings, exposed brick, and wooden floors,” Blitstein said.
Initially, they used the space for sales and events for their business but they now open it to others as “Upside Events,” from benefits to birthday parties to classes, and more. The space holds 150 people seated; over 200 standing only. Office spaces are available for rent up there.
“About a hundred years ago, it was a dance hall,” Shapiro revealed. For $1.10 a couple, you got to go up there and dance.”
On October 9, that stunning space will enjoy a very different use. It will be bustling with makeup application, nail art, ear piercing, fashions, shopping, and food during “Fall Fashion & Fundraising with ENAZ + Upside Events.” All for a good cause.
For reservations, visit ENAZ.com.
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.